NOPD cadaver dogs were used last week to narrow down the possible grave site; in a wooded area near Pisces Place and Florissant Highway.

“Prior to Hurricane Katrina it was a residential area,” said Col. John Doran with the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office. “A home site was there.” “It was some property owned by a gentleman who we believe is now deceased.”

Last Thursday the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office obtained a warrant to start the excavation, but the process was delayed by bad weather.

Crews began digging Tuesday morning, and by 3pm they’d discovered what’s being described as decomposed human remains.

“We had to go down quite a few feet with an excavator and right now we’re in the process of going by hand now with it,” Col. Doran said. “It’s a delicate operation so it’s probably going to take some hours from now.”

“You don’t ever see that out here,” Jackson said. “It’s the first time we ever saw it.”

The Orleans Parish Coroner was on the scene.

The body is believed to be that of a man who disappeared in New Orleans sometime last year.

“Pretty amazing I guess these days, you know,” one neighbor said. “You never know what’s going to happen.”

Crews had planned to work well into Tuesday night.

The remains will be transported to Orleans Parish, where the coroner will work to identify the remains.

New Orleans Police plan to release additional details about the case once the remains have been identified.